STUDENTS HAVE A BALL

BASKETBALL buffs and beginners recently scored a special visit from The Bendigo Braves coaching staff and players, in an effort to keep local numbers bouncing in.

The Kerang Amateur Basketball Association recently hosted a skills clinic day to help excite local primary school aged children about the team sport and “increase local membership”.

Students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Kerang Christian College and Kerang South Primary school attended the day.

Local parent and skills clinic event coordinator Dee Somerville told the Gannawarra Times that numbers in local basketball teams continued to drop.

“We wanted to promote the sport of basketball to young people who may not normally give basketball a second thought,” Ms Somerville said.

“Numbers have unfortunately been declining for some time now, particularly in our girls teams, and so we really wanted to bring back the excitement to the game and show basketball as a great option for sport and also for socialising with friends.”

Held at the Kerang Basketball Stadium, the day consisted of students taking part in various skill drills and team building activities.

Special guest and head of coaching and development with the Bendigo Braves, Joe Hurst was invited to attend the clinic and share his knowledge of the game, while instilling positive attitudes among the local students.

Mr Hurst believes that “success is where preparation meets opportunity” and is passionate about teaching the younger generations that sport skills also translate into everyday life.

“Sport is an incredible vehicle where athletes, as well as young people, can hone life skills that they will carry long after their sporting days,” he said.

Sam Nitschke (under 18s) and Lachie Somerville (under 16s) from the Bendigo Braves also attended the clinic, encouraging the students to follow their passion and dreams.

“Joe and the boys were really great at the skills clinic, they shared their advice and were positive role models for the students to show them that country kids can achieve whatever they want if they really want it,” Ms Somerville said.

“They’re all really easy to get along with and I think the students really enjoyed hearing their advice, personally come from them.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the upcoming basketball season is urged to contact the Kerang Basketball Association.

The senior season starts on October 9, while the junior season commences on October 14.